Microsoft could launch its second next-generation console alongside the Xbox Series X, offering a flagship at an affordable price. Thanks to information discovered in the release notes for the 2020 version of Microsoft's Game Development Kit, new evidence has surfaced that a so-called Xbox Series S (aka Project Lockhart) is in the works.

The note, discovered by a security researcher calling himself TileOS on Twitter, contained a "profiling mode" referring to Lockhart. The note spells Lockhart as "Lockhard," which appears to be a typo, but suggests that a cheaper version of the Xbox Series X is being developed.

Microsoft has been tight-lipped about the Xbox Series S, but sources familiar with Microsoft's Xbox plans told The Verge that the Lockhart mode in the release notes is part of the Xbox Series X developer kit. Apparently, this mode forces developers to use less of the Xbox Series X's power, allowing them to simulate a less powerful Xbox console

The Verge notes that this mode allows developers to use 13. It is understood that only 7.5 GB of the 5 GB of RAM will be accessible. They will also only be able to access 4 teraflops instead of 12 teraflops.

However, this specification means that Lockhart mode throttles the Xbox Series X to deliver less power than the Xbox One X, which delivers 6 teraflops of power. It would therefore seem odd that Microsoft would make a next-generation Xbox that is less powerful than the current generation.

However, the Xbox One X tends to target 4K resolution, whereas the Xbox Series S could be a machine that targets those who don't want to run games at such high resolutions and still have a 1080p TV or monitor.

Without an official announcement from Microsoft, all we have is speculation. But so far, indications are that a truncated Xbox is in development.

Other rumors suggest that the Xbox Series S could be half the price of the $400 Xbox Series X. This price will likely be achieved by having the Xbox Series S run games at 1080p and frame rates from 30fps to 60fps. It is also possible that a rotating disk hard drive will be used instead of SSD storage to reduce the cost of manufacturing the console.

The Xbox Series S also fits Microsoft's strategy of getting as many people as possible to subscribe to gaming services like Xbox Game Pass. Microsoft has already achieved this with the Xbox One S All-Digital Edition

. Nevertheless, Microsoft has canceled products in the past, so the reference to Project Lockhart in the GDK release notes could simply be a remnant of a previous project that was shelved. Since Microsoft is already projected to undercut the PS5 price tag with the Xbox Series X, there is an argument that another cheaper console may not be worth the effort.

Since Microsoft is planning to hold a big Xbox event in July, more details about the Xbox Series S could be announced next month. Even if these rumors do not come to fruition, the future of the Xbox still looks promising, especially with games like "Halo Infinite" on the horizon.